24 Japanese Ways to Say “You’re Welcome” | Easy & Polite Phrases

Learning how to say “You’re welcome” in Japanese opens up a whole new level of connection and politeness in your conversations.

Whether you’re chatting with friends or speaking with colleagues, knowing the right phrase can make all the difference. Plus, it’s a great way to show respect and warmth.

Japanese offers a variety of ways to say “You’re welcome,” ranging from casual to very formal. This gives you flexibility depending on the situation.

In this article, we’ll explore 24 easy and polite expressions that you can use right away. Each phrase comes with pronunciation guides and handy tips to help you remember and use them confidently.

You’ll not only sound more natural but also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and etiquette. It’s a small step that makes a big impact.

Ready to expand your Japanese vocabulary? Let’s dive into the many ways to respond with a friendly “You’re welcome!”

Understanding the Basics of Saying “You’re Welcome” in Japanese

Before jumping into phrases, it’s good to know the cultural context behind “You’re welcome.”

In Japan, humility and politeness are highly valued, so responses often reflect these qualities. Saying “You’re welcome” isn’t just a formality; it shows respect and kindness.

Many expressions vary depending on how casual or formal the situation is.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Learning these phrases not only improves your language skills but also helps you connect more meaningfully with Japanese speakers.

Try practicing these expressions regularly to build comfort and confidence.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) — doh-ee-tah-shee-mahsh-teh

This is the classic and most common way to say “You’re welcome” in Japanese.

It literally means “Don’t mention it” or “It was nothing.” It’s polite but also casual enough for everyday use.

Great for beginners because it’s universally understood and polite enough for most situations.

Using this phrase makes you sound friendly and natural.

You might also hear it shortened casually as どうも (Doumo), meaning “Thanks” or “You’re welcome” depending on context.

Keep this phrase in your pocket as your go-to response for thanks!

2. いいえ (Iie) — ee-eh

This simple phrase means “No” but is often used to politely say “You’re welcome” by implying “No problem.”

It’s easy to remember and effective because it downplays any trouble caused.

Keep your tone soft to avoid sounding like a flat refusal.

A common mistake is to say it too bluntly, which can seem rude.

For example, if someone says “ありがとう” (Arigatou – Thank you), you can reply “いいえ” to mean “You’re welcome.”

This phrase works well in casual or slightly formal contexts.

3. 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) — die-joh-boo dess

This phrase literally means “It’s okay” and is used to respond politely when someone thanks you.

It’s friendly and reassuring, perfect for casual conversations.

Great for beginners because it’s easy to pronounce and remember.

It implies there was no trouble at all.

You might hear just “大丈夫” (Daijoubu) without the “です” in informal speech.

Use this to sound relaxed and approachable.

4. 気にしないで (Ki ni shinaide) — kee nee shee-nah-ee-deh

This phrase means “Don’t worry about it” or “No problem.”

It’s casual and warm, ideal for close friends or family.

Easy to say, it helps you sound kind and easygoing.

A common mistake is using it in very formal situations where it might come off as too casual.

For example: “ありがとう!” “気にしないで!”

This phrase is great for building friendly vibes.

5. どうも (Doumo) — doh-moh

While often used to say “Thanks,” it can also mean “You’re welcome” in very casual contexts.

It’s short, easy to remember, and versatile.

Perfect for informal chats among friends.

Avoid using this in formal situations to keep politeness intact.

Try combining it with ありがとう for “Thanks a lot”: どうもありがとう.

It’s an easy phrase to add to your daily conversations.

6. いいよ (Ii yo) — ee yoh

This phrase means “It’s good” or “It’s okay,” often used to say “You’re welcome” casually.

It’s friendly and informal, great with people you know well.

Simple to say and remember.

Not suitable for formal settings since it’s quite casual.

Example: “ありがとう!” “いいよ!”

Use this to keep your conversations light and easygoing.

7. どういたしましてね (Dou itashimashite ne) — doh-ee-tah-shee-mahsh-teh neh

This is a softer, more casual version of どういたしまして.

The “ね” at the end adds a friendly, gentle tone.

Good for informal situations when you want to sound warm and approachable.

It’s easy to add once you know the base phrase.

Try it with friends or family to show closeness.

It helps you sound more natural and less robotic.

8. なんでもないよ (Nandemo nai yo) — nahn-deh-moh nah-ee yoh

This phrase means “It’s nothing” or “No big deal,” used to say “You’re welcome” casually.

It’s very easy to remember and sounds friendly.

Great for informal conversations.

Avoid in formal settings as it’s too relaxed.

Example conversation: “助けてくれてありがとう!” “なんでもないよ!”

Use this to keep things light and friendly.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 恐れ入ります (Osore irimasu) — oh-soh-reh ee-ree-mahss

This is a very polite way to say “You’re welcome,” often used in business or formal contexts.

It literally means “I am humbled” or “I am sorry for the trouble.”

Great for showing deep respect and humility.

It can sound too formal for casual chats, so use it wisely.

A typical setting is customer service or when speaking to superiors.

Mastering this phrase helps you sound professional and courteous.

10. どうぞ (Douzo) — doh-zoh

This phrase means “Please” but is often used in response to thanks in formal contexts, implying “Go ahead” or “Feel free.”

It’s straightforward and polite.

Easy to remember and very common.

Don’t confuse it with just “Please” requests; context matters.

Example: “ありがとうございます!” “どうぞ!”

This phrase adds a polite touch without being too stiff.

11. かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita) — kah-shee-koh-mah-ree-mahsh-tah

This is a very formal phrase meaning “Certainly” or “I understand,” used as a respectful “You’re welcome.”

Perfect for customer service or formal business situations.

It conveys professionalism and attentiveness.

Don’t use it casually—it sounds stiff if overused.

It’s often heard in restaurants or shops after a customer thanks staff.

Using this phrase correctly will impress native speakers with your politeness.

12. こちらこそありがとうございます (Kochira koso arigatou gozaimasu) — koh-chee-rah koh-soh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahss

This phrase means “Thank you to you as well,” used to politely respond to thanks.

It’s humble and polite, showing mutual appreciation.

Good for formal and semi-formal exchanges.

A common mistake is forgetting the “こちらこそ,” which is essential for the meaning.

Example: “ありがとうございます!” “こちらこそありがとうございます!”

Use this to elevate your polite conversations.

13. お役に立ててうれしいです (O-yaku ni tatete ureshii desu) — oh-yah-koo nee tah-teh-teh oo-reh-shee dess

This phrase means “I’m glad to be of help,” a polite and warm way to say “You’re welcome.”

It’s a bit longer but shows genuine kindness.

Great in customer service or formal settings.

Not casual; save it for meaningful exchanges.

Example use: “助けてくれてありがとう!” “お役に立ててうれしいです!”

This phrase expresses care and professionalism.

14. いつでもどうぞ (Itsudemo douzo) — ee-tsu-deh-moh doh-zoh

This phrase means “Anytime, please,” used to politely say “You’re welcome” with an invitation to come again.

It’s polite and friendly, suitable for formal and casual settings.

Easy to remember and quite versatile.

Don’t confuse it with just “Please come in”; it’s about readiness to help again.

Use it to sound hospitable and respectful.

Perfect for customer service or hosting friends politely.

15. お気になさらないでください (O-ki ni nasaranaide kudasai) — oh-kee nee nah-sah-rah-nai-deh koo-dah-sai

This phrase means “Please don’t worry about it,” a formal and polite way to say “You’re welcome.”

It’s longer but very respectful.

Great for formal conversations where you want to ease the other person’s feelings.

Avoid using it casually, as it sounds overly formal.

Example: “ありがとうございます.” “お気になさらないでください.”

This phrase shows empathy and politeness.

16. どういたしまして、いつでもお手伝いします (Dou itashimashite, itsudemo otetsudai shimasu) — doh-ee-tah-shee-mahsh-teh, ee-tsu-deh-moh oh-teh-tsu-die shee-mahss

This longer phrase means “You’re welcome, I’m always here to help.”

It adds warmth and an offer of ongoing support.

Perfect for formal or professional settings when you want to sound sincere.

It’s more polite and thoughtful than simple responses.

Try using it when you want to leave a positive impression.

It shows you care and are dependable.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. いえいえ (Ie ie) — ee-eh ee-eh

This expression is a very casual and friendly way to say “You’re welcome.”

It literally means “No no,” showing humility and lightness.

Common among close friends and family.

Don’t use it in formal situations to avoid sounding rude.

Example: “ありがとう!” “いえいえ!”

Use it to sound natural and relaxed.

18. ううん、いいよ (Uun, ii yo) — oon, ee yoh

This phrase means “No, it’s okay,” used casually among friends.

It’s a natural way to say “You’re welcome” that sounds native.

Easy to remember because it’s short and simple.

Be careful not to use it in formal situations.

Example: “助けてくれてありがとう!” “ううん、いいよ!”

Great for sounding friendly and approachable.

19. どうもね (Doumo ne) — doh-moh neh

A casual variation of どうも, adding ね for a softer tone.

Used among friends to say “You’re welcome” in a lighthearted way.

Easy to slip into daily conversations.

Not suitable for formal use.

Example: “ありがとう!” “どうもね!”

It helps you sound friendly and informal.

20. 気にしないでよ (Ki ni shinaide yo) — kee nee shee-nah-ee-deh yoh

This is a casual, friendly way to say “Don’t worry about it,” implying “You’re welcome.”

The よ adds a friendly emphasis.

Ideal for close friends and informal chats.

Avoid in formal contexts.

Example: “ありがとう!” “気にしないでよ!”

Use it to sound relaxed and easygoing.

21. いいっていいって (Iitte iitte) — ee-tteh ee-tteh

This phrase literally means “It’s okay, it’s okay,” used casually to say “You’re welcome.”

It’s very informal and friendly.

Perfect for close friends or younger people.

Not recommended for formal situations.

Example: “ありがとう!” “いいっていいって!”

It makes your conversation sound very native-like.

22. いいよいいよ (Ii yo ii yo) — ee yoh ee yoh

This phrase means “It’s okay, it’s okay,” a casual and friendly way to say “You’re welcome.”

Easy to remember and very natural.

Use with friends and family.

Not suitable for formal occasions.

Example: “ありがとう!” “いいよいいよ!”

It’s perfect for sounding casual and sincere.

23. なんとかなるよ (Nantoka naru yo) — nahn-toh-kah nah-roo yoh

This phrase means “It’ll work out somehow,” used casually to downplay the trouble and say “You’re welcome.”

It’s informal and optimistic.

Good for close friends, not formal use.

Example: “ありがとう!” “なんとかなるよ!”

Use this to sound relaxed and positive.

It adds a bit of personality to your response.

24. まあまあ (Maa maa) — mah mah

This phrase means “So-so” or “It’s nothing,” used very casually to say “You’re welcome.”

It’s easy to say and sounds relaxed.

Best used among close friends or family.

Not appropriate for formal conversations.

Example: “ありがとう!” “まあまあ!”

Great for sounding natural and informal.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 Japanese phrases for “You’re welcome” reveals the beautiful range of politeness and casualness in the language.

Choosing the right phrase helps you connect with people in a way that feels genuine and respectful.

Keep practicing these expressions, and you’ll find your Japanese conversations becoming warmer and more natural in no time!